Answers (10)

This may be bias I have never tested Crossfit, so my opinions are derived strictly from observation and subjective perception. There is no doubt that Crossfit is metabolic costly. The workouts that I have seen implement dynamic, compound movements, coupled with large numbers of repetitions. Outside of being a intense calorie burn, and reported "fun" I believe the positives end there.

Risks and flaws associated with CrossFit that I have noticed.

1. There is a lack of care/concern for form.
-Many of the exercises performed with no attention to proper form. A large emphasis is placed on completed the workout.

2. Cookie cutter approach to fitness
-Whether you old, sedentary, athlete, or kid you perform the structured program with just minor variation.

3. Does not attain a goal and does everything haphazardly
-Strength, Power, Burn Fat, Hypertrophy, Endurance, Agility = Crossfit claims it does it all - Still figuring out HOW>>>?

5. Group Setting
-There are so many issues that arise in a group setting that cannot be overcome unless in a one-on-one.

6. Functional
-I hate the word "functional" as it is very ambiguous. Anyway, the activities associated with crossfit are largely not representative of ANY daily activity. Therefore, specificity is a concern with the ability for your training to translate to daily life/sport.

7. Musculoskeletal Impairments
-This stems from the lack of form and the advanced exercises undertaken. Lack of concern is payed to the mechanical system and more on physiological leaving this area of potential concern.

I consider Crossfit the "Fad Diet" of Exercise. Crossfit will certainly burn extreme amounts of calories - buts its effectiveness long-term (adherence) is unlikely. Therefore, Crossfit as weight loss solution is doubtful in the long term (Will be testing this theory next spring). I believe results can be accomplished through more effective and efficient means through a structured periodized exercise program coupled with proper nutritional strategies.

Sorry for spilling the hate - but these are my opinions - Feel free to critique and disagree...the only way I better myself is being challenged ; )

I have tried crossfit for a year. I did it with my college rugby team.

Its great for maybe 2% of the population.

It is not good for athletes- when will a sprinter, football player or bball player have to perform 100 squat thrusts?

Its not good for most people who are deconditioned, overweight, or new to workouts. Olympic lifts/ body weight exercises are already hard, let alone for anyone without neuromuscular control for time.

It is good for fighters, it fatigues the whole body while aiding in overall performance enhancement for a specific body weight.

Possibly OK for military, firefighters, police. They need an easy approach for mass numbers of people who rely specifically on body performance.

One thing that is a complete lie is that crossfit causes hypertrophy (enlargement of the muscles). Size is an adaptation to where a human body pushes beyond what it normally is capable of - only acquired with heavy weight. The best, most fit crossfitters are all in amazing shape- for their size. They're all lean and strong, but you wont find a football player sized person among them. They will not be able to lift the percentage to body weight other athletes can do.

The one thing I truly think crossfit has going for itself is the mentality and community. Yes, there are bad points of bad trainers/ people who don't know what they're doing egging others into injury, but few other fitness models get large numbers of people together and really try hard.

I think CrossFit is a great mode of training for someone who has built a base and can handle not only the physical demands of CrossFit, but the technique of the different modes of training that CrossFit consist of. The two things that I've personal noticed is that many people who participate do not have the mechanics down for the technical movements, and a lot of the WOD are geared towards quantity over quality which can result in serious injury, especially for a beginner.

As with all different modes of training, it is not perfect but when done properly; can be very effective.

The videos that I have seen of Crossfit did not look very complimentary but I have no doubt that it can be done safely if people are well-prepared for the exercises they are about to undertake. (But, frankly, I can say the same for many other forms of exercise in which proper form is not observed. Even yoga classes have been known to produce injuries).

I remember when I was a competitive swimmer (over 20 years ago), our strength coaches had us perform a number of exercises as fast as we could do them. There were anywhere from 5 to 20 different exercises (Olymbic lifts were some of the moves) and with some running involved as well. Other times, we were combining swimming with other land exercises (such as pushups, sit-ups, burpees, pull-ups, rowing, etc.). It was great for us because it helped us with our overall conditioning, but we were competitive athletes and not novice athletes. The idea of Crossfit is not new, it just happened for someone like Greg Glassman to come along and trademark the name and make millions of $$. I agree with all of the anwsers that are posted in this topic. It can be a great workout if it is done correctly. I know many people who went to Crossfit classes and were injured. I believe it's more of a competition contest than just simple fitness.

I know this is an old thread but could not read it without entering my input :)

I'm a CPT & Crossfit L1 trainer. I'm very lucky to coach at a gym where the priority is safety (attained by adhering to good form). We've had our share of mild injuries but what gym doesn't! Each member completes a very through orientation course ( 4 wks 3x wk) before they can jump into the reg classes. they also have an assigned mentor coach who helps them with the transition. Our members range from 20 - 65 yoa and the movements are scaled to their ability. Everyone works at the same intensity but the variables are individual ( not a cookie cutter program).

As far as Rhabdo, this can happen in any environment with any level athlete if the conditions are there. Crossfit has actually a lowever incident rate than other modalities because coaches are educated on it and gauge their clients. I know alot of PT's that don't even know what it is.

I don't want to write an editorial on the pros and cons of CF so I'll end with this; there are risks in all fitness modalities however the key is teaching clients to maintain focus on safety and form while they challenge their bodies.